By Joe Kelly (writer), Paulo Siqueira (pencils), Amilton Santos (inks), Jeremy Cox (colors)
The Story: As Harry Osborn makes his move to the “Dark Side,” by accepting a job with his father, Norman and his Dark Avengers, Peter decides to proactively protect Harry while scoring some revenge points against Norman. Meanwhile, Norah infiltrates Avengers Tower while trying to uncover a story that will out Norman and his corrupt ways, while the older JJ further ingratiates himself to the Parker family through bonding with Peter.
What’s Good: The American Son arc keeps its momentum in this second installment. Kelly has a clear direction for this arc and some of the developments are quite interesting and daring. There have been many false promises through solicitations and editorial interviews that Spidey’s world would be affected substantially in previous installments of ASM, but I have a hunch that this arc will prove to be transformative.
I really like Kelly’s take on Peter as a bold yet thoughtful hero, rather than an perpetually whimpering and wise cracking protagonist. In this issue, Spidey goes full onto a dangerous situation with out a shred of fear. You can’t help but root for him and believe in his character.
Additionally, Kelly nails the bad guys here as well. Norman has become so overused in the Marvel U as of late, but Kelly utilizes the principle that “less is more” when writing him. There are no lengthy diatribes or overt actions that show Norman’s hand, Kelly simply relies on quick dialogue and precise revelations to portray Norman and his motivations.
What’s Not So Good: What is it with switching art teams so soon in this arc? The whole tone and flow of this book is thrown off with Phil Jimenez disappearing and Paulo Siqueira arriving to draw this book. Their styles are nothing alike and it doesn’t seem that Siqueira even attempted to keep the feel from the previous book. Also, there are these weird energy rays that are illustrated whenever someone does something dramatic with their hands that I found to be irritating and odd. However, it should be said that the Venom scenes were executed very well.
My other complaint is that this comic gets off to a slow start. I mean it is a yawner for half of the book and I found myself checking to see how many more pages I had to read. This is the comic book equivalent of checking your watch; which is never a good sign. Sure, the end of this read is exciting and surprising, but not enough to retroactively brighten the beginning.
Conclusion: One of those frustrating reads that has some great content built upon a flow of forgettable narrative. Nevertheless, this is a issue that retains the high-interest inherent in this arc. Kelly possibly pulled-off the impossible for me in the fact that I’m thoroughly enjoying Spidey’s supporting cast. I am really interested in how this arc will progress and what will transpire in the coming pages. However, Phil Jimenez’s absence thoroughly tempers this excitement.
Grade: B-
-Rob G.
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Amazing Spider-Man, Amazing Spider-Man #596, Amazing Spider-Man #596 - Review, American Son, Amilton Santos, ASM, dark avengers, Dark Reign, Harry Osborn, Jeremy Cox, Joe Kelly, Marvel Reviews, Norman Osborn, Paulo Siqueira, Spider-Man
